Bearcats catch another break, beat Chargers

LA VERNE -For the second consecutive year, Bonita High School pulled out a Miramonte League win over Charter Oak on a misplay to end the game.

The Bearcats pushed across a run in the bottom of the seventh without a hit to stay on top of the league standings with a 3-2 win over the Chargers (9-6, 3-2).

The win gave the Bearcats (12-2-1, 5-0) a two-game lead over their closest pursuers in league play.

Brian Tuttle, who started the game for the Bearcats, walked to lead off the bottom of the seventh. With one out, Anthony Ramos was hit by a pitch. Mark Lindsay grounded to short and the Chargers got the force at second, but the relay was wide and Robert Mier scored to end the game.

"They took advantage of their chances," Chargers coach Tom Quinley said. "We were here last year and they won on a wild pitch to end the game."

The Chargers had plenty of chances in the first five innings and stranded seven runners, but couldn't finish off Tuttle.

"It wasn't his best start," Bearcats coach John Knott said. "But I was proud of the way he handled all the adversity that came his way."

An outstanding throw by Bearcats right fielder K.C. Huth kept the Chargers from scoring in the third inning.

Chris Holden hit a two out double and Joe Reynoso followed with a hard single to right. Huth threw out Holden at the plate for the third out.

"I've got stop sending Holden," Quinley said. "That's the second time this year I've gotten him thrown out at the plate. The kid (Huth) had to make a good throw and he made a perfect throw."

The Bearcats scored first in the bottom of the fourth. Evan Highley led off with a single and stole second. He went to third on a fielders choice and came home on a single by Huth.

The Chargers came back in the top of the fifth to take the lead. Starting pitcher Travis Santiago reached base on an error. He stole second and Aaron Henry doubled him home to tie the game.

Henry scored on a one-out double by Holden to give the Chargers the lead.

Santiago, who retired the first eight batters, appeared to run out of gas in the fifth as the Bearcats came back to tie the game.

Mier walked to lead off the fifth. Highley singled with two out and Anthony Ramos walked to load the bases. Mier came home on a wild pitch to tie it up.

"He was tired," Quinley said. "That's the first time I've pulled him this year that he didn't say anything. He's only a sophomore and I can honestly say he's one the best players I've ever had and I've had a few good ones."

"It's unfortunate someone has to win or lose," Knott said. "This was a well-played game by both teams. Both pitchers competed and made big pitches when they had to."